READERS of The Basingstoke Extra, published by Gazette Newspapers, have continued to support our campaign to help provide underprivileged children in Eastern Europe with a Christmas present this year.

The Operation Christmas Child project, launched in conjunction with international charity Samaritan's Purse, began in 1990 with the aim of providing children affected by poverty, war and natural disaster with gift-wrapped boxes full of presents.

Since then more than 23 million boxes have been delivered to girls and boys aged between two and 14 years old.

This year's appeal, launched in September, has been supported by hundreds of people in the Basingstoke area, including youngsters at Bolton Under-Fives Playgroup, in Old Basing.

Brenda Watson, who is the leader of the playgroup, said: "It's so nice to give things to children who don't have the things we have. It's not that expensive to make a box and it makes all the difference to children who don't get any presents throughout the year.

"Our children enjoy making the boxes and we get a lot of satisfaction doing something for someone else."

All boxes and their lids need to be wrapped up separately and secured with an elastic band to allow customs to check the contents.

They must also be accompanied by a £2 cheque made payable to Samaritan's Purse to cover the cost of transport and distribution. Cheques can be made for more than one box.

Anyone can start a collection and Samaritan's Purse will pick up collections or 50 boxes or more between November 5 and 10. Anyone who starts up their own collection should register on the website below.

Alternatively, boxes can be taken to the Gazette offices in Church Street, Basingstoke, during normal office hours by November 21.

For more information, visit www.samaritanspurse.uk.com or call 0870 011 2002.